FOWLR wanting to add substrate

[mangelo]

When I re-established my 165gal a few years ago, I went with live rock without any type of substrate. I'm wanting to go back to live sand.

I would like to know if its ok to add sand to an established tank with fish already in it.

Thanks.

 

[Aari007]

You might need to get your rocks, fish, and substrate out if you want to attempt this. This is just what I think, but I don't know.

 

[Aari007]

You might need to get your rocks and fish out if you want to attempt this. This is just what I think, but I don't know. It might be possible.

 

[E.intheC]

You’ll be fine. Just run some water over the sand to get rid of the dust and small particles. And turn off your pumps for a bit.
I’ve done this a few times with no ill effects.

 

[mangelo]

That is good to know!! I have always rinsed my live sand, but are you not also ridding it of the beneficial bacteria?

Thanks for the info!

 

[carrots]

If your adding "live sand" just slowly sink the bag to the bottom of the tank and then cut bag open with a razor and slowly empty. If using dry sand rinse well before adding to the tank as Eric said.